BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The 23rd Infantry “Masigagsig” Battalion (23IB) deployed disaster response units to help local government units (LGUs) from possible hazards posed by flood waters spawned by Tropical Storm Dante (TS Dante) particularly in Butuan City, Province of Agusan del Norte.
Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Commanding Officer of 23IB, monitored the situation in affected areas and coordinated the further deployment of Masigasig Troopers through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO). Ahead of Tropical Storm Dante’s landfall over East of Guiuan, Eastern Samar on Tuesday which brought rains with gusty winds, he has alerted the troops in affected areas to preposition disaster response personnel, equipment, and resources in threatened areas.
“Responsibilities of government forces do not end with just securing the peace of the country from the threat of communist insurgents. These disasters have harmed our fellowmen, and we now have to be with them to bring hope during these challenging times, “Paulo said.
The 23IB troopers utilized rescue operations equipment and, in some cases, makeshift floating devices to reach affected communities stranded in homes with floodwater in some low-lying areas.
In addition, they joined in the packing, transport, and distribution of relief goods, in coordination with the Local Government Units in the area, for the families and communities who were affected by the flood caused by the heavy rains brought by TS Dante. They also distributed relief goods for the affected families in Barangays Los Angeles, Sto Niño, Ampayon, Baobaoan, Lemon, Pangabugan, Mahay, Baan Km.3, Pigdaulan, and De Oro, all of Butuan City.
The 23IB remains committed in the conduct of relief operations and will continue to assist the local government units in providing manpower, mobility, and equipment to help affected communities rise stronger.
Paulo also reminded the troops not to lower their guard even while conducting humanitarian missions.
“Our responding teams continue to brave flooded communities to conduct rescue operations in the hopes of rescuing more individuals. Let us not create any opportunity for our foes – the coronavirus and the terrorists – to strike us during any of our humanitarian missions. We call on everyone to hold on to safety as help is on the way and will come,” Paulo said.
